Engaging With Diversity: How Positive and Negative Diversity Interactions Influence Students' Cognitive Outcomes

• In Event: 63.041 - College Student Engagement and Experiences With Diversity

Abstract

Although a growing body of research demonstrates the value of interacting with diverse peers, a number of questions remain about the relationship between the quality of students’ diversity interactions and their cognitive outcomes. In this longitudinal study, we examine how students’ positive and negative diversity interactions are related to their need for cognition and critical thinking skills. The results indicate that negative diversity interactions are central to understanding both students’ cognitive tendencies and performance, while positive diversity interactions are consequential only for students’ cognitive tendencies. We also explore whether the relationship between negative diversity interactions and cognitive outcomes varies by race and students’ experience of positive diversity interactions. The implications of the findings for research and practice are discussed.

Authors

• Josipa Roksa, University of Virginia

• Cindy Ann Kilgo, Indiana University - Bloomington

• Teniell L. Trolian, University of Iowa

• Ernest T. Pascarella, University of Iowa

• Charles Blaich, Wabash College

• Kathleen Wise, Wabash College